Guwahati Cinema Ceiling Collapse Injures Three During Screening
GUWAHATI: A sudden collapse of a false ceiling at a PVR cinema hall in Guwahati’s City Centre Mall sparked chaos and panic among moviegoers on Sunday evening, August 3, leaving three people, including children, injured. The incident occurred during a screening of the film Mahavatar Narsimha at the popular theater located near Christian Basti.
Around 7 p.m., a section of the overhead ceiling structure gave way, sending debris crashing onto the audience below. Eyewitnesses described a scene of alarm as the falling material disrupted the show, prompting immediate action from cinema staff. The screening was halted, and theater personnel quickly moved to evacuate the audience while providing first aid to those injured. The mall’s management also assisted in the evacuation efforts, ensuring the safety of all patrons.
Emergency services were promptly notified, and medical teams arrived swiftly at the scene. The three injured individuals, including a woman and a child, were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Hospital officials later confirmed that all victims are in stable condition and no longer in critical danger.
In response to the incident, PVR management sealed off the affected screening area and suspended all further shows for the day. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation and Fire & Emergency Services were called in to inspect the structure, and a technical investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse. Preliminary findings suggest possible maintenance issues or design flaws in the false ceiling, though a definitive cause has yet to be established.
The cinema, currently marking its 25th anniversary, has been temporarily closed pending a thorough safety inspection. Authorities are working to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future. This event follows a previous mishap at the same venue a decade ago, when a short circuit damaged the screen. The investigation continues as officials prioritize public safety and structural integrity at the City Centre Mall’s PVR Cinema.
